Pittsburgh Microvolt 3900

Instruments Category: 
Sound Module
Company : 
Pittsburgh Modular

A Love Letter to the Analog Monosynth

A modern, semi-modular synthesizer inspired by the instruments designed by our heroes. The Pittsburgh Modular Microvolt 3900 takes a new approach to building a raw, analog monosynth with a host of unconventional and inspirational features. Patch cables optional.
 
Creative Synthesis Design

With our new temperature stabilized, dual VCA oscillator core, the analog audio engine of the Microvolt 3900 feeds a set of timbrel waveshapers crafted for deep harmonic shaping, enabling a layer of additive synthesis alongside the classic subtractive synthesis waveforms. Waveforms are fed into our binary filter, a custom state variable filter architecture offering near infinite resonance with or without self-oscillation. Sonically this creates a juicy, fluid filter adding depth and energy to the oscillator that can scream if you ask it to.

The heart of the Microvolt 3900's sound is our new dynamic VCA technology. Where a standard VCA works in two dimensions, the Microvolt 3900 dynamic VCA technology adds a third dimension. As the dynamic VCA closes, decreasing the amplitude, harmonics are removed from the source. As the dynamic VCA opens, the harmonics are restored. This mimics the behavior of sounds in nature. The result is a lively, organic sounding synthesizer full of energy. The design of the dynamic VCA also allows the instrument to be plucked or struck, opening up another set of percussive musical possibilities.

Microvolt 3900 Highlights

  • Voltage controlled West Coast style wavefolder.
  • Switchable harmonically rich sine wave.
  • External preamp with independent 30x gain and output level controls.
  • Classic Pittsburgh Modular low pass filter with extended resonance.
  • Dynamic VCA with standard VCA and dynamic low pass gate modes.
  • Variable overdrive on output.
  • Multi-mode sequencing arpeggiator.
  • Chaotic random CV and gate generator.
  • Multi-tasking function generator works as a voltage controlled envelope, LFO, and oscillator.
  • Highly tuned ADSR envelope generator.
  • 39-point Eurorack format compatible patch bay.

Open Electronic Experimentation

The Microvolt 3900 is patched internally and does not require patch cables to dial in a wide variety of unique and powerful sounds. For deeper experimentation, the Microvolt 3900 includes a 39-point eurorack format friendly 1/8" jack patchbay for complete signal routing control over a full complement of audio and modulation options. A four-stage envelope generator, multi-purpose function generator, wide range LFO, chaotic random source, arpeggiator, sequencer, and midi to CV control are also available to create dynamic sounds unique to the Microvolt 3900.

Flexible Audio Signal Path

Voltage Controlled Oscillator

Temperature stabilized, dual VCA based, analog saw core oscillator simultaneously outputting saw, sine, pulse, and folded waves. Modulation options include exponential frequency modulation, pulse width and fold timbre. The sine wave is capable of switching from a clean sine to a harmonically rich half rectified sine wave. 

Waveform Mixer

Blend oscillator waveforms, analog noise, and preamp. The preamp uses a 30x soft clipping overdrive circuit to push external audio or internally patched feedback loops from mellow to monstrous.

Binary Filter

Based around the classic Pittsburgh filter circuit, the Binary filter in the Microvolt 3900 utilizes a smooth 2 pole, state variable core to create a buttery smooth frequency sweep paired with a new resonance circuit that slides from clean, gummy bubbles to a screaming, overdriving freakout.

Dynamic VCA

Organic and percussive, the dynamic VCA utilizes an entirely new, all analog design to replicate the impact transients and vibrance of a percussion hit. The result is a versatile VCA section that sounds natural and energetic. The dynamic VCA works in two modes: high quality VCA and a lowpass gate mode that manages both timbre and loudness at the same time. 

Output Overdrive Line Level and Headphone Outputs 

Output section uses a proprietary 30x symmetrical overdrive circuit for additional sound sculpting. Results can vary from subtle warmth to squared out, harmonic bliss. High quality stereo headphone amplifier and monophonic line level outputs controlled by a master volume slider.

Microvolt 3900 Specs

  • Powder coated steel and walnut construction.
  • Dimensions: 10.375" x 7" x 1.875"
  • Weight: 3.6 lbs
  • Power: 1.5A +15v DC power adapter

Included

  • Patch Cables: 5 Nazca Audio brand patch cables.
  • Midi connector cable
  • Universal DC power adapter